Sports have a way of preparing young athletes for whatever life may throw at them, both on and off the field. Very few people understand this simple yet important lesson more than Ron Hobar, our Coach of the Week.

With more than 30 years of experience under his belt, Ron has created a great coaching formula that involves baseball savvy, athleticism, morals and strong faith. Coach Hobar’s self-proclaimed goal in coaching is: "To help make youth baseball better through total athlete training (physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally & spiritually), developing athletes, coaches & parents into leaders with Christ-like character and a passion for excellence." 

Weplay.com: Ron, Why do you love coaching so much, and what is it that you try to convey to your young athletes?

Coach Hobar: I grew up playing baseball and have always loved it.  I played in high school, college and internationally.  I’ve had some amazing opportunities and humbling honors through the game of baseball.  Because of all of these wonderful & memorable baseball experiences, I want to give back to others, to not only help them learn about baseball, but also about life and faith in God.  There are so many character, leadership & life lessons that can be learned through this game.   Sports are truly a microcosm of life.  I am convinced that we can become better people by becoming better players, coaches and sports-parents.  

Coach Hobar is currently the Head Coach of a JV & Varsity Homeschool Baseball Team in the Memphis, TN area. His team, the Memphis Eagles, is affiliated with the Memphis-Area Home Education Association (MHEA) and The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA Baseball). Ron just celebrated his 25th anniversary with his wife, Linda, and is very excited for the coming baseball season. Good Luck, Coach!

Coach Hobar's Keys to Success:

1. Be prepared.  Be ready to give your best at all times.  This takes dedication, commitment, focus & hard work.
    

2. Hustle as hard as possible for as long as it takes.  Play with passion, heart, desire, drive & motivation. Grind it out.

3. Be alert, always looking for an edge.  Anticipate what may happen around you.  Be into every pitch.

4. Sacrifice yourself for the team.  Play to win rather than for personal numbers.  Help teammates whenever possible.

5. Know the game.  Know yourself.  Know the opposition and strategies. Be teachable. Be a learner.

6. Do what is supposed to be done.  Take the time and make the effort to do it properly.

7. Focus only on what you can control ... forget about the rest.

8. Expect failure, but don't be content with it ... use it as the backdoor to success. 

9. Play tough, focused defense.  Make the opposition earn every baserunner and every run.

10. Win the game on the bases by being aggressive and making good decisions.

11. Play tough.  Intimidate with your effort, attitude, intensity and focus.

12. Be poised at all times.  Have self-control, emotional control, and physical control.

13. Be respectful & responsible ... qualities of a good teammate and human being.    

14. Have Fun in the midst of being competitive.  It can be done!